Saints Training Camp Battles: Robert Meachem vs. Devery Henderson
 

Posted by Tom Mantzouranis

Training camp is finally here and FanHouse breaks down the most important position battles heading into the season, team by team.

When the Saints took Robert Meachem in the first round of the NFL Draft, just about everybody penciled him in opposite of Marques Colston on the team's depth chart. It's a natural reaction -- the first-rounder has the name and the salary to demand significant playing time.

But Sean Payton has made it clear that names, contracts, and status are worth little in the grand scheme of things, and the Saints already had a pretty good group of receivers behind Colston before Meachem's arrival. Things didn't get any better for the former Vol when he needed surgery for a torn meniscus that prevented him from getting acclimated to the NFL.

With Meachem out of sight, Devery Henderson turned some heads. Henderson's speed enabled him to be the Saints' deep threat last year, but inconsistency catching the ball held him back. He's been more impressive this year, and appears to currently be in possession of the starting spot. But Meachem still has plenty of time to make up ground if he can stay healthy through camp and pick up the playbook quickly. Remember, it's still early. At this time last year, Joe Horn and Donte Stallworth were the Saints' starters and no one was sure if Colston would even make the team.


"I think Devery Henderson is primed to have a big year."

i see our starting recievers as colston and henderson with meachem in the slot. henderson will be more consistent and establish himself this year as a quailty recevier. colston will continue to grow as a number one reciever and meachem will play underneath and roam the middle with te johnson.:) :D :cool:

Playing in the last year of a contract, and hoping for the next contract to be of size...can be a motivator.

I am thinking that the most important thing about the WR position, is that they can stay as healthy as possible. I don't think coach puts much stock in who is the #1 or #2 WRs. As long as all the WRs know what they are suppose to do at each spot.

I suspect Patten will emerge as the slot WR this season. Meachem has to first learn how to be a pro WR, but he may show enough flashes to warrant some good pt. Word is, DH is among the least hungry WRs, with Patten having a mind that nothing less than starting is acceptable.

During the off season I wasn't concerned with the offense especially the receiving corp, however, I was concerned with the defense. Hopefully David will make a difference downfield.

at least we know that whoever starts earned it!